The following information is NOT intended to endorse drugs or recommend therapy. While these reviews might be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, skill, knowledge and judgement of healthcare practitioners in patient care.

Reviews for Tramadol

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For Chronic Pain:"I was suppose to take 2 x 50 mg tabs at bedtime. I did and I had horrible racing heart, nausea and vomiting and then a mild headache. Last night I just took one and had no problems. It didn't get rid of all pain but enough to be able to get some sleep. I'm not using it everyday."

For Pain:"CAUTION! Used tramadol 50 mg for back pain. Started with 1 tab couple of days/wk, eventually up to a tab/day, finally tab/day and 2 tabs/day a couple days/week. Withdrawal would kick in about 18-24 hrs after last dose. Lethargy, tired, felt like the flu. Took tab, w/in an hour felt great. Read about this as potential problem, began to wean myself off. Took several months. Every step down resulted in above withdrawal symptoms (but worse), and the most horrible part was the restless body (RLS, but all over) at night when trying to sleep. Felt ready to explode. After taking 1/4 tab/day for weeks, used some leftover partial valium tabs to finally break free from tramadol. Avoid tramadol if at all possible - withdrawal is absolutely horrible."

For Chronic Pain:"I've been on Tramadol for 5 years after surgery in my knee. I now have Tendinitis in my right shoulder that I take it for. I take 50 mg 3x day. It really helps with the pain. I don't like that it constipates you. I experience sweating at times. But the pain is very manageable."

For Chronic Pain:"Tramadol was given to me in the Emergency room of my local hospital due to chronic back pain. I haven't been diagnosed with anything in particular yet, however this has helped ease off the pain.I was given a prescription of 20mg and it also has helped with my depression. Today actually, was a bad day and I decided upon myself to take two 20 mg pills and I really don't feel anything. The day has flown by at work and I just feel more focused."

For Back Pain:"5 and 1/2 years on Tramadol and I was suddenly falling, walking jerkily, imbalanced, vomiting and diarrhea without warning. I am still diapered but I spent 2 months using a walker. Meanwhile, my hands became pins and needles, now I have parasthesia up to my bicep on both arms. It feels like my hands are soapy or I'm wearing sandpaper gloves past my elbows. My vision is blurry and I can't hold onto anything without dropping it. Did I mention the itching? I frequently bathe in oatmeal and claw my arms. My feet are numb as well. I know how depressing chronic pain is and I have chronic abdominal pain."

For Chronic Pain:"Given this a few years ago for pain. Dosage had to be increased to keep effect. Wasn't providing the relief as in beginning. Then to 300mg a day after 2 years and I decided I wasn't benefitting from it. Took myself off by slowly reducing dosage over two months. What a NIGHTMARE, chills, twitches CRAVING for it. For 4 MONTHS I was getting what I describe as electrical BRAIN ZAPS as I turned my head to look at something. When my head turned my brain would do a slide show with electrical zaps trying to catch up. It was a MONSTEROUS FEELING of no longer being in control. 4 months of agony and all I had to do to stop it was to just take a pill but no way on earth was I going to throw away more 4 months. It is addictive! I know from my experience."

Ultram (tramadol) for Chronic Pain:"I started ultram a little over a month ago and am impressed with the lack of side effects. I also noticed it helps with my moods..maybe having less pain just makes me happier. Ive had spinal injections and am using ultram to hold me over until I get my next set. I do take it every 4-6 hours"

For Depression:"Thumbs up! I was prescribed Tram for abdominal pain, and in the process of taking once daily, 50mg, I realized that my energy is boosted, my mood is elevated, and I felt 10 to 15 years younger. I also observed more creativity and a heightened sense of wellbeing. Must be the serotonin higher levels."

For Chronic Pain:"I take Tramadol as PRN (when required) for severe TMJ pain.
I find the slow release tramadol works better for me, the instantaneous release (in the 50mgs) makes me feel like I am on cocaine or something! Very restless, fast, itchy etc."

For Back Pain:"some 6 years ago I had spinal fusion, operation went very well, I was taken off narcotics and given Tramadol. I take three tabs a day, 50mg, Usually when first getting up. Until I read these comments I never associated it helped with depression, I never really considered myself depressed, I recently lost my wife of 65 years, we had a truly great marriage, she was an English war bride. I miss her terribly, but depressed I am not, Now I wonder if I have been a really content and happy person these last few years because of the pill, I am sure not going to stop and take a chance. Thank you for all your comments they have really helped "

Ultram (tramadol) for Pain:"I just started this med yesterday for osteoarthritis & fibromyalgia. After reading the other comments my experience is pretty normal. I'm itching like crazy, had a bad night-no rest, nausea & mild headache. With all those side effects, it appears to have knocked off the edge of the pain. I will continue using if for a few days if I can handle the itching. I want to give it some time because I cannot use narcotics. I end up in the hospital with dehydration from vomiting when I use any narcotics."

For Back Pain:"For a few years this drug really worked well. Not many side effects but you must be aware of the constipation! It can be severe. If I had not developed nerve problems - in my back, I think tramadol would have been enough. I have ended up in dreadful pain in my back - at this time in my life and I'm going to replace tramadol with a step 3 medication."

GenRx Tramadol (tramadol) for Chronic Pain:"Can't live without it. Been on it for 8 yrs. now and it still works for me. My Dr. does not prescribe narcotics, so I'm very glad the Tramadol works for me. Condition: fibromyalgia."

For Anxiety:"I was prescribed Tramadol 50 mg for headaches and TMJ pain. However, the biggest difference this medication has made for me is the way it has helped my anxiety and depression. It is truly amazing, and a blessing. I have severe social anxiety but I find now that I can talk to people and actually want to socialize. No other med has really ever helped me. I truly wish that doctors understood how this medication helps those of us with long-standing anxiety and depression, it's a miracle."

For Back Pain:"This drug has helped me for 3 yrs after 3 athroscopic knee surgeries and finally a total replacment ( 5 yr period) getting off the vicoden was horrible! know I have been though 1 neck fusion, 3 back surgeries ending with a fusion. I have sever arthritise in my back. The tramadol helps me to be able to resume my life some what, with out the agonizing pain that I live with. I take 50 mgs 4x a day. I do not feel as if I need my dosage uped after this long. Iseem to do just fine. I can have my grandchilderen, work in my garden, and do genral houshold chores. In general I can continue a fairly normal life."

For Depression:"Like many of the reviewers here I discovered the benefits of the medicine for depression by accident. It had been prescribed for back pain after I hurt by back lifting a heavy bag out of the car trunk at the airport. Yes, it helped in a with the back pain from
the injury but it totally destroyed my depression immediately. It works in less than 1 hour and you will feel uplifted and hopeful .If you suffer from depression talk with your Dr. about Tramadol. Plain and simple...it works and works fast. No kidding this is a depression killer."

For Depression:"I can't believe the difference tramadol has made in lifting my mood. I began tramadol for body aches and realized the mood elevation that accompanied it. I take 3 50 mg tablets per day and have had no need to increase the amount. I feel motivated and have energy probably the way most non depressed people do. I used to abuse alcohol and smoke excessively, but now have absolutely no desire to self-destruct. I am more successful and productive in my career and I believe this pill has given me my life back."

For Back Pain:"It is interesting to read all of the diverse reports concerning this drug. Some would not recommend it, while others have benefited from it completely. As for me, I am of the latter category.....for it has helped me countless times in relieving the back pain and depression. It is truly my "happy pill".....for which I am thankful."

For Back Pain:"I have lower back pain due to spondylosisthesis. (Disk between LV4 and LV5 moving forward and putting pressure on nerves in spinal column)
Tramadol works ike a narcotic, it can cause extreme nausea if never used before. Unfortunately, a tolerance develops very fast; at first, 100mg would kill my back pain completely. But over two years time, i need about 300 to 400 mg twice a day, with an NSAID booster. The injections my doctor gives me in my knees and spine are very effective in restoring lost flexibility, but still Tramadol cocktail for pain. I'm 66 years old and also have tendonitis in my knees and SI syndrome. Pregabalin is great with tramadol"

Ultram (tramadol) for Pain:"I have been taking Ultram (brand) for 7 years for the management of chronic neuropathy pain in my arms, legs, hands, and feet, and I wouldn't change it for anything. Non-addictive, effective 90% of the time, it's a rare day when the pain exceeds the drug's ability to control it. Yes, there is some occasional residual background discomfort; with chronic pain that's to be expected. However, as long as I can function normally without a lot of adverse side effects and addiction, I'm a happy camper. Please note this is for the brand Ultram. I had serious issues with the generic (with the fillers, I think), and do not recommend generic at all."

For Fibromyalgia:"Great medication if you want the worst migraine you've ever had. Tramadol may be good for some, but for me, it's the medication you use if you want to make your fibromyalgia pain worse."